Crowded gallery at Pinehurst No. 2 course where record prize money is on offer to leading players. -EPA
The winner of the 124th US Open will pocket a major tournament-record $6.5 million, the United States Golf Association announced.
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That total, which is a $450,000 boost from last year's payout, trails only the $6.8 million payday that Scottie Scheffler received for winning The Players Championship in March.
 It eclipses his $5.4 million paycheck for emerging victorious at this year's Masters Tournament in April and Xander Schauffele's $5 million prize for capturing the PGA Championship in May.
The US Open prize pool increased by $2.3million to $33 million for the players competing at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.
In addition to the winner, the owners of the next three spots will receive seven-figure paydays. The runner-up will pocket $3.5 million, the third-place golfer will claim $2.2 million and the fourth-place finisher will take home just over $1.5 million - provided there are no ties.
Each participant finishing in the top 10 will receive at least $756,000.
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